May 15, 2019 Notre Dame, Notre Paris

“Great edifices, like great mountains, are the work of the ages.” — Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Construction of the Notre Dame de Paris began between 24 March and 25 April, 1163. Notre Dame burned a month ago today. Its history, like that of Paris, is long. Both will live on.

HISTOIRE DE LA VILLE DE PARIS
Pierre-Francois Guyot Desfontaines (1685-1745)
A Paris : Chez Julien-Michel Gandouin, Quai de Conti, aux trois Vertus, 1735
First and only edition
DC707 D44 1735 vols. 1-5

This detailed history of the city of Paris and its environs begins with the origins of the city in Roman times and ends in the early eighteenth century with the reign of Louis XV. Volumes I-IV are attributed to abbot Guyot Desfontaines, a French journalist, translator and historian, and Jean Castre d’Auvergne (1710-1743). Volume V contains supporting documents and a shortened description of the city, and is attributed to Louis-François-Joseph De La Barre (1688-1738). Chronological and other notes are printed in the margins. The work contains numerous indices and four large folding city plans, representing Paris at various times in it’s history. Bound in full calf with raised spines.